Between December and February, Kashmir turns into the closest thing India has to the Alps — pine forests under metres of snow, a frozen Dal Lake at dawn, and in Gulmarg, one of the highest cable cars on earth. For Gujarat families who have never touched snow, no trip lands quite like this one.
Why winter (yes, winter) is Kashmir’s secret season
Most travellers go in spring for the gardens; winter travellers get the mountains to themselves. Hotel prices dip, the valley is heartbreakingly beautiful under snow, and Gulmarg transforms into India’s best ski resort. Pack right and the cold is part of the joy.
Days 1–2: Srinagar & Dal Lake
Stay one night on a heritage houseboat — a Kashmir essential. Take a shikara ride at sunrise, walk the old city to Jamia Masjid and the spice markets, and warm up with kahwa and rogan josh. In deep winter the Mughal gardens sleep under snow, and are lovelier for it.
Days 3–4: Gulmarg — the gondola & the snow
Ninety minutes from Srinagar, Gulmarg sits at 2,650 m. Ride the gondola’s two stages towards Apharwat Peak (around 4,000 m) for views that stretch to the Pir Panjal, sledge and throw snowballs to your heart’s content, or take a beginner ski lesson — instructors and gear hire are easy and inexpensive.
Day 5: Pahalgam or a slow Srinagar morning
If the roads are clear, Pahalgam’s Betaab and Aru valleys are a snow-globe of a day trip. Otherwise, spend the last morning shopping — pashmina, saffron, walnut wood and papier-mâché — before the flight home.
What to pack & what it costs
Layers beat bulk: thermals, a proper down jacket, waterproof shoes, gloves and sunglasses (snow glare is real). Srinagar flights connect easily from Ahmedabad and Mumbai via Delhi. A comfortable 5-day winter package — flights, houseboat + hotel mix, private cab and the Gulmarg day — runs roughly ₹23,999–₹35,000 per person; snow-season weekends book out, so plan 4–6 weeks ahead.
Explera’s Kashmir Paradise package covers flights, houseboat, hotels, private transfers and the Gulmarg day from ₹23,999 per person — winterised on request with snow-chain cabs and heated rooms. WhatsApp us your dates and we’ll check the snow calendar.
